Sørensen: Normalization of relations is not a linear process, but progress is being made

The normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia “is not a one-time result achieved after a meeting, but a continuous process taking place every day to improve people’s lives,” said Peter Sørensen, EU Special Envoy for the Belgrade–Pristina Dialogue, adding that much of it happens “behind the scenes,” yet “real progress is achieved every day.” He welcomed the holding of inclusive local elections, stressing that once the results are confirmed, it is important to ensure an “orderly transition of local authorities.”

In an interview with the Italian agency Nova, Sørensen said that since taking office as EU Envoy for the Dialogue, he has held over 60 official meetings in the region and hosted two rounds of talks between the chief negotiators in Brussels, addressing concrete issues — from economic cooperation to the search for and identification of persons missing during the Kosovo war between 1998 and 2000.

“The process is not always linear, and much of it happens behind the scenes, but genuine progress is made every day. Every day, people, vehicles, and goods move freely between Kosovo and Serbia. Just this summer, over 1.7 million people and about 650,000 vehicles crossed the joint border points. Cars with Kosovo license plates can now enter Serbia. People are paying for the energy they consume under agreed conditions. This is tangible proof that the dialogue is working,” Sørensen said.

Regarding the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, under which access to funds depends on implementing the dialogue agreements, Sørensen emphasized that the EU-mediated dialogue remains the platform for normalizing relations — and that, for both Kosovo and Serbia, the path toward EU integration depends on it.

He recalled that through dialogue, Belgrade and Pristina have held direct talks and reached more than 90 agreements that include provisions on practical, everyday matters.

“These are results that years of international presence, including a large number of peacekeeping forces, could not achieve alone. Enlargement remains a key EU priority. The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is an important step toward bringing the region closer to the EU and strengthening regional cooperation. The Plan demonstrates our commitment to the region’s future while setting clear expectations. For Serbia and Kosovo, this means constructive engagement in normalizing their relations,” the EU envoy said.

Speaking about the recent local elections, particularly after the Serbian community in the north boycotted previous elections, Sørensen noted that the Serb List won in nine out of ten municipalities with a Serb majority. He welcomed the peaceful, competitive, and inclusive conduct of the first round of local elections.

“All communities participated, and media coverage was free and fair, contributing to a transparent process. Voter turnout in Serb-majority municipalities averaged over 50 percent, which is a very positive sign,” Sørensen pointed out.

He said that everyone was now given a chance to move forward after the boycott of April 2023.

“Kosovo Serbs participated, and in nine Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo, Serb parties won both mayoral seats and a majority in municipal councils. We now have elected representatives. This is an important step forward, showing that they are an integral part of Kosovo’s society. What is also important now is that once the results are confirmed, there should be an orderly transition of local administration. These peaceful elections and the return of Serb mayors in Kosovo also pave the way for a broader discussion on the reintegration of Kosovo Serbs who left Kosovo’s institutions in 2022,” Sørensen said.

Referring to the tense relations between leaders — including during the last joint appearance of Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at the Brdo–Brioni Process Summit in Durrës on October 6 — Sørensen stated that the EU expects all leaders in the region to demonstrate constructive engagement.

“The dialogue is precisely the space where Kosovo and Serbia can address their disagreements peacefully and constructively. We encourage both Kosovo and Serbia to refrain from public exchanges so as to make full use of this platform and focus on fulfilling their obligations agreed in the dialogue,” Sørensen concluded.